Director, Hydrogen - Europe

ABOUT CATF

Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a nonprofit organization working to safeguard against the worst impacts of climate change by catalyzing the rapid global development and deployment of low-carbon energy and other climate-protecting technologies. This is accomplished through research and analysis, public advocacy leadership, and partnership with the private sector. CATF is highly respected for its deep expertise and research on energy and industrial systems and potential strategies, technologies, and policies that can radically shrink their impact on the planet’s atmosphere. Our team of experts and advocates (and global network of subject matter experts and civil society partners) put this research and knowledge into action by designing and enacting public policies that drive toward zero emissions. We also support policies and work directly with private industry to innovate in technology to make the path to zero emissions swift and affordable. CATF has offices in Boston, Washington D.C., and Brussels, with staff working virtually around the world.

ROLE

The Director, Hydrogen - Europe will lead programmatic efforts to expand the role of clean hydrogen in key sectors across Europe, including refining, ammonia, steel, methanol, and heavy-duty transportation. This role will focus on the development and promotion of policy and coalitions at the EU-level and in key Member States, as well as the advancement of appropriate R&D, demonstration, and deployment programs. The Director will also be instrumental in shaping and advancing CATF’s work on industrial decarbonization and transportation decarbonization, ensuring the responsible deployment of zero-carbon fuels in hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, chemicals, aviation, and marine shipping, which are critical to achieving long-term climate goals.

The Director will be a strategic thought leader on CATF's hydrogen efforts, responsible for shaping the future direction of the European program, overseeing its implementation, and ensuring financial stewardship through effective fundraising.

Key Functions and Responsibilities:

Program strategy development

• Develop and refine a comprehensive vision for the Hydrogen Program in Europe, aligning it with global efforts to promote zero-carbon fuels, industrial decarbonization, and transportation decarbonization.
• Set medium- and long-term goals (2-5 years), identifying key outcomes and developing strategies and tactics to achieve them, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors like steel, refining, chemicals, aviation, and marine shipping.
• Establish near-term objectives (12-24 months) and guide the execution of the program to meet these goals.
• Collaborate with CATF leadership and other programs to continually refine CATF strategies for international hydrogen production, industrial decarbonization, and transportation decarbonization to maximize global decarbonization impact.

Project implementation

• Secure and allocate resources required for program execution, including staff, consultants, technical experts, and communication support.
• Build and maintain relationships with external coalitions and key stakeholders, particularly within Brussels and major European Member States, with a focus on industrial and transportation sectors crucial for decarbonization.
• Oversee staff and consultants to ensure high-quality work, providing regular feedback and managing performance.
• Lead advocacy and communications efforts, working closely with CATF's Advocacy and Communications teams to promote the agendas for hydrogen, industrial decarbonization, and transportation decarbonization in Europe.
• Act as a spokesperson for the program in media, governmental, and stakeholder forums, while designating other CATF staff as appropriate.

Subject matter expertise

• Serve as CATF’s in-house expert on zero-carbon fuels and industrial decarbonization in Europe, maintaining deep knowledge of technical, political, economic, and market issues.
• Stay informed about key developments in Europe and other regions (e.g., the U.S.) to guide policy recommendations and strategic decisions, particularly for industrial sectors and transportation end-uses with complex decarbonization needs.

Budget management

• Work closely with CATF’s finance team to develop the annual budget for the Hydrogen Program in Europe.
• Track and manage monthly expenses to ensure the program operates within its financial constraints.

Fundraising and financial stewardship

• Lead grant fundraising efforts in liaison with the Development team.
• Develop proposals, budgets, and grant reports.
• Contribute content for specific fundraising campaigns, including awareness-building initiatives, working closely with the Development and Communications teams.

External communications

• Engage with external audiences in support of CATF’s hydrogen policy agenda through media appearances, public speaking engagements, and targeted written communications.
• Represent CATF in stakeholder forums and discussions with key players in the zero-carbon fuels sector.

Internal relationships and partnerships

• Collaborate closely with CATF’s Europe Advocacy and the communications team, as well as other project leaders and technical experts across Europe and the United States.
• Work with European partner organizations to develop and execute public policy strategies that align with CATF’s goals for the Hydrogen and Industrial Decarbonization Programs.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in engineering, energy policy, environmental science, or a related field.
• Proven track record of leadership in program management, with a focus on energy transition, hydrogen, zero-carbon technologies, industrial decarbonization, or transportation decarbonization.
• Strong technical expertise in zero-carbon fuels, industrial decarbonization and/or transportation decarbonization, combined with the ability to navigate complex policy landscapes in Europe.
• Excellent managerial skills with demonstrated success in leading teams, managing budgets, and delivering results.
• Experience in fundraising and grant management.
• Exceptional communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to engage with diverse audiences, including policymakers, industry leaders, and the media.
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with global teams
• Fluency in English; knowledge of other European languages is a plus.
• Passion for CATF’s mission.

Compensation and Location:

This is a full-time, remote position flexible within Europe. CATF offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary based on experience.

CATF provides equal employment opportunities.